'Callous act': Urgent warning to pet owners after magpies found dead
WARNING – DISTRESSING CONTENT: An urgent warning has been issued after 30 magpies were found dead in Sydney in what animal rescuers believe to be a mass poisoning.
The birds were found over a period of two weeks in a single Sydney suburb, with testing by Taronga Zoo finding signs consistent with poisoning.
Police and the RSPCA have been notified by wildlife rescue group WIRES, whose members have been collecting the birds, and are awaiting on the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) to perform further toxicology analysis.
Rescuers suspect poison is being inserted into a meat based product and left in the vicinity of Clarkes Rd, Ramsgate.
WIRES media officer John Grant told Yahoo News Australia that the situation was “very sad”, noting the baits pose a threat not just to birds, but all animals in the area.
“All native animals are protected and acts of cruelty such as this are punishable by law,” he said.
“This is a callous act not only against our native wildlife, but it also puts children’s pets at risk of poisoning if they pick up contaminated baits.”
Mr Grant said the numbers of birds found dead has been increasing, with more than a dozen collected by rescuers on Thursday.
WIRES is asking anybody who has further information to please contact police or the EPA on (131 555).
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